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Police say teller texted suspect before heist

ARLINGTON, Texas (9/27/10)--A teller who appeared to be a victim in a robbery of an Arlington, Texas branch of Texas Trust CU is now a suspect. Police say the teller allegedly sent text messages to the robbery suspect just before the robbery. Kyle Lightner, the teller, is accused of aiding the robbery suspect, Tyce Von Franklin, in stealing $183,000 in a robbery of the credit union on Sept. 1 (NBCDFW.com and CNET News Sept. 23). The man who robbed the credit union hid in the bathroom and emerged after closing time. confronted startled employees and forced them into a vault. Four hours later, Franklin was stopped for speeding. Officers discovered marijuana, a large amount of cash, a gun and a surgical mask in his car. A surveillance camera caught Lightner texting just before the robbery, police said, adding they were suspicious because he stayed at work past his normal shift. A search of his cell phone found text messages had been sent to Franklin, urging him not to forget his sunglasses, referring to the arrival of an off-duty officer, and describing the credit union's layout. The messages also warned to stay calm so a co-worker wouldn't scream. Police are also investigating the two in relation to a $148,794 unsolved robbery at a bank where Lightner worked. In that case, he was "taken hostage" and forced into a vault by a man who, police alleged, resembled Franklin.